Job Discussion Forums

[jezebel]

I'm thinking very seriously about starting to teach abroad in about a year, once I finish up some courses back home. I'll probably go to either Japan or Korea, but I'm still open to other countries that can pay enough to cover my student loan repayments.

What are some things I can do to prepare myself? Take a TESL course? Buy/sell possessions? Any other things you wished you'd had more time to properly deal with before moving to teach?

[naturegirl321]

Yep, those are good ideas. Observing teachers and reading up on info at the lirbary is also good.

CHeck your PM for more info.

[Glenski]

Assuming you are qualified for a work visa (bachelor's degree or 3 years of related work experience), things you can do to prepare:

Scour the ads now to see what is out there in terms of job descriptions, pay, benefits, and other sundries. Decide if this is for you.

Compare salaries to see if it is enough to pay your loans. How much per month do you have to pay?

Figure out what you want to do with your possessions. Look around for paid storage or friends/family who are willing to take them. This includes a car and what you want to do with insurance. Get a trusted person to agree to handle your financial affairs.

Understand that the market in Japan is very flooded. That means competition is high. Decide if you want to come here and look around, or stay home and look here. Limited options, but see what they are for the interviews at home. Find out what the interviews entail in general. This info has been posted ad nauseum on forums everywhere.

Then, decide if you want to get TEFL certification. For just a year you won't need it unless you are very VERY unsure of yourself in front of a group of students (kids or adults) and inexperienced.

Start learning the appropriate language now.

[jezebel]

[JZer]